History of the breed
More than 50 years ago, a cat with very short hair gave birth to a hairless kitten.
After this, the kitten was cross-crossed with its mother, which resulted in completely hairless kittens. They became the basis, but from which the breed of the Canadian Sphynx was developed.
Description of cats of the Don Sphynx breed
Cats belonging to the Don Sphynx breed have an extremely unusual appearance, which really resembles the cat figurines of Ancient Egypt: flexible, elegant animals with long legs and very large lively eyes.
The very description of the appearance of the Don sphinxes recalls the mystery of their origin: they seem to be aliens from outer space. However, while characterizing the breed, it is nevertheless possible to highlight its distinctive features.
Don Sphynxes have a strong and muscular body. The fact that cats don't have hair helps us see their almost athletic physique better. The animal's croup is quite wide; it happens that its width exceeds the width of the shoulders, as a result of which the silhouette of the cat resembles a pear in shape.
The size of the Don Sphynx is standard, medium, similar to the size of many other cats.
The paws of these cats are long and graceful, they look surprisingly fragile, but in fact this is not the case at all. The front legs are shorter than the hind legs. The fingers are also long.
The Sphynx's tail is long and thin, with a rounded tip. In general, the cat’s entire body seems long and fragile, which makes its appearance even more mysterious.
Adult females weigh about five kilograms, and Don Sphynx cats weigh about seven kilograms.
The cat's head is wedge-shaped with pronounced cheekbones and brow ridges. The chin is small, but quite powerful, and the nose is medium-sized, smooth and straight.
On a flat forehead, fan-shaped skin folds are clearly visible, smoothing out under the eyes.
The ears of the Don Sphynx are quite large and wide with rounded tips and a slight slope. The eyes are oval shaped and small in size. Eye color is not limited by any standards. One of the outstanding features of cats of this breed is that kittens’ eyes open almost immediately after birth, just a few hours later. Don Sphynxes do not have eyelashes, nor mustaches; cats with curly mustaches are only very rarely found.
Based on existing standards, the cover of the Don sphinxes can be of three varieties. These cats are not always completely naked.
The following types of cover exist:
- bare-born - animals born without hair, their fur feels like rubber to the touch;
- velor (flock) – there are very short hairs, the skin feels like velor to the touch;
- brush - developed wool, but still rare. The peculiarity of cats with such fur is that they can get rid of it and then grow it back.
Newborn kittens may have fur that will disappear around age two.
The color of the Don Sphynx is varied:
- pure white;
- smoky;
- black;
- ginger;
- red-pink;
- blue;
- lilac.
Main characteristics
The Canadian Sphynx breed is characterized by:
- The head is wedge-shaped, slightly pointed downward.
- The nose is short, usually covered with sparse short fur.
- The ears are set very wide apart. They are large in shape and have rounded ends.
- The breed usually does not have whiskers, but may still have them.
- The eyes are lemon-shaped, widely spaced, and large in size.
- The body is round, with a wide chest.
- Upon visual inspection, the fact that the hind limbs are much longer than the forelimbs is striking.
- The toes are long and clearly defined, sometimes covered with fine short hair.
- The tail is whip-shaped and also not pubescent.
- The Canadian Sphynx is distinguished by the presence of an abundance of folds throughout its body. Most of them are in the head, neck and limbs.
- Cats weigh on average 4 kg.
Bengal cat
How's the water?
Despite their exotic and somewhat wild appearance, Bengal cats are wonderful pets. The history of this breed can be traced back to the 60s of the last century, when American Jane Mill, a specialist in the field of genetics, crossed a wild leopard cat with a domestic cat. The breed received official recognition in 1983. The Bengal is distinguished by its muscular build, thick silky fur with a deep shine and spotted color. This is the only breed of domestic cat that has markings in the form of a rosette - a kind of marking on the fur of wild animals that helps them camouflage.
Long, lean Bengal cats are incredibly impressive and confident. They are very smart, inquisitive and love action. The wild nature of Bengals is manifested in their ineradicable desire to hunt. Even aquarium fish can become victims of cats. Energetic and curious, they love to swing from chandeliers, play with light switches, splash around in the bathtub, have fun opening latches on doors - in general, get up to absolutely amazing antics. The energy of these animals should be directed in a peaceful direction, providing them with physical activity. But, in general, Bengal cats are quite social. They are attached to all household members, sociable, ready to tolerate being “squeezed”, and demonstrate a friendly attitude towards other pets and children.
You can become the owner of a Bengal cat by paying $2000-5000. The cost of kittens with a particularly rare color and outstanding pedigree reaches $20,000.
Bengal cat
Colors of the Canadian Sphynx
Numerous photos of Sphynx cats indicate that the color can be very diverse - from white-beige, through gray, chocolate, piebald, etc.
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Russian blue cat
Russian blue cat
Russian Blues captivate with their brilliant green eyes and blue-gray fur that shimmers with silver. Perky and smart cats are devoted to their owners and know how to adapt to their mood. True, sometimes they can be stubborn and love freedom, and show dissatisfaction when a stranger appears. It is interesting that, being in any mood, these beauties look content and happy. This is all thanks to the fact that the outline of their mouth resembles a slight smile.
Russian Blues are also called Archangel cats, as they became famous thanks to the kittens from Arkhangelsk. They were brought from Russia by British breeder Karen Cox. In 1875 they were exhibited at a cat show at London's Crystal Palace. They say that Russian blue cats bring prosperity and happiness to the home. But the cost of the talisman is high: from $400 to $2000.
Russian blue cat
Character
The main differences between the Sphynx and the Sphynx are that they behave differently from most members of the cat family. They are more like small children, showing curiosity and exploring everything around them.
They also have:
- Love for others.
- Lack of aggression.
- Restlessness.
- Playfulness.
- They love to communicate and are happy to do this not only with members of the household, but also with strangers.
- This breed is easy to train - cats are very smart.
- But they also have pride. They won't ask for anything, they will just take it.
- Cats especially love to climb somewhere, so you need to take this into account when arranging a place for the cat.
In any case, the character of the Canadian Sphynx is distinguished by its comfort for living in any family, both where they love noise and mobility and where they prefer peace and comfort.
British shorthair cat
British shorthair cat
Plush, mustachioed burly men are regulars on film sets, advertising popular cat food. This is not surprising, because they are so pleasant to watch. Looking incredibly good-natured, British Shorthair cats have long become a collective image of a classic pet.
The ancestors of this breed are considered to be cats brought to Britain by Roman legionnaires. The animals were distinguished by their outstanding hunting abilities and remarkable physical characteristics, but modern representatives of the breed have lost these qualities. Many of them, if they eat improperly, are prone to obesity and become clumsy with age. Breeders had to work to make British Shorthair cats resistant to disease.
Charmingly plump in appearance, the British are, in fact, quite stocky and quite powerful. They have a large head, thick cheeks and large, round eyes with a copper tint. The most popular color of the plush fur of these cats is solid (gray, blue-gray, black, lilac, chocolate). The character of the British Shorthair is calm, flexible, but independent. They treat strangers selectively and rarely allow strangers to approach them. The British will always be extremely dissatisfied if someone, even the owner, wants to carry him in their arms. Prices for British aristocrats range from $500-1500.
British shorthair cat
Caring for the Canadian Sphynx
Due to the lack of fur and the fact that the cat sweats, be sure to wipe it with napkins or a cloth, otherwise the sweat may dry out on the skin and form a crust on it.
Carry out washing no more than once a month. And use only special mild detergents, preferably hypoallergenic.
Ears - they require regular cleaning - this will help cats look more aesthetically pleasing.
The air in the room should not make sudden changes and drafts should be excluded. The diet should be varied and such as to promote the health of the pet’s skin.
Castrate males in a timely manner. Leave the cat unneutered only if you are planning to breed a Sphynx.
It is also worth giving your pet the opportunity to expose its skin to direct sunlight. But this should be done strictly in doses, otherwise the cat may get sunburn. This procedure will help you achieve a brighter skin color.
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Reviews of cats of the Don Sphynx breed
- Marina.
When I first held my friend's Don Sphynx kitten, he won my heart. The feeling is great! The kitten is so naked and warm with a completely childish look. We also decided to buy a Don Sphynx , and now he has been living with us for two months. Cats of this breed are very affectionate and calm, and are friendly with small children. I got used to the tray in one day, but I just eat everything in a row. One of his characteristics: he will not jump so as to land on his paws, it is noticeable that this causes him pain. He likes to steal from the table, which we are trying to wean him off. He takes everything: even bread, even sweets, even fruits or vegetables.
- Lyudmila.
The Don Sphynx appeared in our family about a year ago. They were worried about how their relationship with the child would develop, but it was all in vain. The Don Sphynx is an excellent nanny even for an infant. He treats the child with affection and care, and his behavior reveals the habits of a dog: he protects and warms him with his own warmth. I know for sure: when my son grows up, he and the cat will become best friends.
- Dmitriy.
As a professional photographer, I can say that Don Sphynxes are great models for photos ! They are very graceful, and their gaze with its attractiveness is simply something! The Don Sphinx resembles a figurine. It is photogenic and colorful, so you can take a variety of photos with it: serious or funny, attractive and bright. In addition, the Don Sphynx is a wonderful friend and reliable companion for a man.
- Anna.
My Don Sphynx cat's name is Alisa. I didn’t even train her to use the tray, I just put it on the floor, and she understood everything on her own. I also chose the house myself. In the closet, on the lowest shelf, there was an old blanket, which she chose as a “nest.” There she sleeps only at night, and during the day she dozes, lying on the radiator.
I bathe her once a week. If this is not done, the cat's skin becomes dirty and sticky, which can cause various diseases.
By nature she is very sweet, kind and affectionate. She hates sitting at home alone.
Next is a photo of my Don Sphynx Alice.
The main diet of the Canadian Sphynx
Pets are not picky about food, as they have an excellent appetite. This is due to the fact that the Canadian Sphynx has an accelerated metabolism.
You should always be prepared to feed your cat. For this it is better to choose:
- Meat, it is advisable to choose lean varieties.
- By-products, preferably those that do not contain excess fat.
- A variety of vegetables.
- It is possible to use dairy products, but you should still prefer fermented milk products.
- Various cereals.
- Eggs.
Price of Don Sphynx kittens. Where to buy a Don Sphynx cat. Don Sphynx nurseries
Unlike some recently emerging cat breeds that are just achieving world fame, Don Sphynx cats became popular almost immediately. Both in Europe and the USA, and in the CIS countries, many nurseries offer to buy wonderful Don Sphynx kittens that meet the standard and all the expectations of future owners.
The price of Don Sphynx kitten ranges from nine to thirty thousand rubles.
The cost depends on various factors, including the reputation of the nursery.
If you take Don Sphynx kittens from breeders, the most reasonable price in this case is about ten thousand rubles.
Don Sphynx nurseries:
- MY TOYS;
- Ramses.
Cost of kittens
For those planning to purchase a Canadian Sphynx, you should consider the following features:
- Specifics of the content.
- The specificity of the species - not everyone likes it. It is worth considering that Sphynx kittens may look cuter than adult representatives of this breed.
The price for kittens reaches 10,000 rubles.
Character of cats of the Don Sphynx breed
The unusual appearance of the Don sphinxes to some extent determines their character. The reviews from the owners of these cats are all similar to each other - they are enthusiastic.
Don Sphynxes are described as great lovers of kisses and hugs; not only do you want to kiss such a beautiful pet, but he also responds in kind. Some people even consider them too clingy.
Don Sphynxes do not suffer from jealousy and get along well with other pets living in the house or with small children.
https://youtu.be/EKGqSkBgLt4
These cats love to play with toys, so you will have to buy them from time to time to please your pet. In general, the Don Sphynxes are ready to play around the clock! Their behavior is sudden - one minute he was getting under your feet, and the next minute, rushing past everything that stood in his way, he is in the farthest room.
Cats belonging to this breed have a peculiarity - they choose only one owner and remain faithful and devoted friends to him.
Don Sphynxes have touchiness. They will not take revenge, but they will look you in the eyes so that you yourself want to ask them for forgiveness and make amends with kisses and tasty gifts.
Don Sphynxes are not super-intelligent, but they are quite intelligent, as well as clean.
It is believed that these animals have special healing energy, and it is difficult to argue with this. They, more often than all other cats, come to their owner in order to “cure” him by settling in a sore spot.